Band saw bread slicer



Aug. 18, 1942. T. JENSEN Y y I BNDASAW BREAD SLCER Filed Nov. 25, 193s sheets-smet 1' INVENToR y THQRMOD JENSEN ATTORNEY BAND sAw BREAD SLICER lFiled-mw; 25, 1939 4 srjets-sheet 2 INVENTOR 109 THoRM D JENSEN ATTORNEY Aug.. 18, 1942. T. JENSEN BAND sAw BREAD sLcE A Filed Nov. 25, 1939 4 She'efs-Sheet 25v mvENToR rI'HoRMoD JENSEN BY ,PW TToRNEY 'r Paiented Aug. 1s, 1942 UNITE-of STATE si ,PATEISITN o Fries zwi. 14essi Claims.

cutting bands travel in the same direction. Ac-

cordingly, it is the main object of the invention to provide a construction wherein there is no twisting of the blades and adjacent band saws Vare driven in opposite directions, so that alternate cutting bands in the cutting region will travel in opposite directions and thereby avoid collapsing the loaf. 1

I Another object of the invention is to use only the taut or pulling runs of the cutting bands for slicing, since the slack runs cause irregular slices which are objectionable. To this end the bandsl are mounted on two sets of step pulleys and the taut runs of the bands running over one set of pulleys are disposed adjacent thetaut runs of the bands running over the? other set of pulleys to form the slicing region. Thus the formation of irregular slices is prevented as the loaves are sliced by taut runs which are less likely to be disf torted.

A further object of the invention is to provide a band saw construction wherein the spacing of the cutting bands in the cutting region may `be adjusted topermit production of slicesof various thicknesses.

Still another object is to cool the pulleys whereon the band saws are trained. In the operation thereofin 'slicing bread` the bands become suiciently heated to cause adhering bread particles to dry and'accumulate at the cutting edges and impair the .efilciency thereof. By cooling the Fig. 3 is a detail view of the devices for adjusting the spacing of the cutting bands in 'the cutting region;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the adjusting devices taken Yfrom line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a detail view of one of the band spacin'gr rollers;

Fig. 6 illustrates a suitable form of' construction for tensioning the band saws;

Fig. 7 is a detail view of a suitable construction for cooling the band saw blades; and

Fig. 3a is a detail view on the line 3a-3a of Fig. 3.

The improved machine vcomprises a frame 5 whereon are supported a pair of lower pulley shafts 6, 1 and a pair of upper pulley shafts 8, 9. On the shafts 6, 'I are mounted step pulleys I0, II

" and on the shafts 8, 9 are mounted step pulleys I2, I3. A setof band saws I4 is mounted on the steps of the pulley II) and guided over the corresponding steps of the pulley I2, and a set of band saws I5 is similarly trained over the steps of pulleyk II and guided over the steps of pulley I3.

Each of the shafts 6 and 'I is suitably driven in opposite directions, and vprovided with pulleys I6 2), whereby the band sawsrunning thereover are driven from the integral steps of the pulleys bands the adhesion of bread partclesis mini-y mized. I v

'With these. and other objects not specifically mentioned in view, thevinventlon consists in constructions and combinations hereinafter described and set forth in the appended claims.

With these and other objects notspecifclly mentioned in view, the invention consists in` constructions and `combinations hereinafter del scribed and set forth in the appended claims.

the invention;

I Fig. 2 is a'longitudinal sectional view of the same;

I2 and I3 in a direction opposite to the band saws driven by the integral steps of pulleys I0 and II.

The band saws driven from the integral steps of the pulleys III'and IIare guided over rings 24 free to rotate on balls 25 of the corresponding steps of pulleys I2 and I3 (Fig. 2). Thus/falternate cutting bands in the slicing region travel in opposite directions, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2. It will be noted that the taut sides of all the bands constitute the slicing region and are hence less likely to be deected vduring the slicing of the loaves.

Endless conveyor chains 26 carry pushers 21 which advance each loaf betweenguides 28 into engagement withthe foremost pair of bands I4,

I5, and the loaf is then advanced along thetable y29 and through the remaining bands by the following loaves advanced by successive pushers. The table is provided' with `slots through which the loperative runs of the bands pass and is further provided with a slot through which the pushers move downward while they clear the loaf against the foremost pair of band saws. The

'guides 28 are coextensive with the table and serve to hold the sliced loaves together until they are removed. The conveyor chains are mounted on sprockets supported on a pedestal forming a part of the frame and may be driven by adjustable means (not shown).

For adjusting the spacing of the operative runs of the band saws there are provided adjusting devices (Figs. 3 and 4) comprising two sets of upper spacing rollers 38, 3|, 32, 33 and 34 of increasing size, supported on shafts 35 mounted in sleeves 31 carried by the frame 5. .The rollers are eccentrically mounted on their shafts which are free to turn in their sleeves, and the eccentricity of the various rollers is `proportioned to move the band runs closer together sufficiently to provide a narrowed spacing thereof corre-4 sponding to various thinner slice thicknesses. Gears 36 are fastened on the inner ends of the shafts 35, which project inwardly through the front side wall of frame 5, and inclined racks 48 and 4| mesh with each of said sets o'f gears, respectively. A pinion 42 mounted on a shaft 43, which is journaled in the rear wall of the frame 5, and extending into the angle formed between the upper ends of the racks 48 and 4| and meshes therewith to produce sliding movement thereof when the shaft 43 is turned. Hence the shafts of both sets of gears meshing with these racks will be turned with the adjustingrollers mounted thereon to vary the spacing of the bands.

A sprocket 44 on the shaft 43 drives the sprocket chain 45 running over thesprocket 46 on the shaft 41 which carries a double sprocket 48 driving sprocket chains 49 and 58 which drive sprockets 5| on each of the shafts 52 of the corresponding sets of lower eccentric adjusting rollers 53, 54, 55, 56 and` 51. The shafts 52 are mounted in the frame 5 in alignment with their corresponding `upper shafts and the eccentricity of the adjusting rollers 53, 54, 55, 56 and 51 conforms to that of their respective upper rollers, so that a uniform displacement of the entire run of each band will be obtained upon turning the hand wheel 58 on the shaft 43.

To provide sufiicient slack to permit adjustment of the operative runs of the bands, there are provided upper setsof eccentric tension rollersy 88, 8|, 82, 83 and 84, and lower sets of eccentric rollers 96, 91, 98, 99 and |88, engaging the idle runs of the bands and serving to keep the bands taut in their various adjusted positions.'

The upper tension rollers are eccentrically mounted on shafts 85 carried by brackets 85a fastened to the front Wall of the frame 5, and each of the shafts 85 of one set thereof carries a sprocket 86 over which runs a sprocket chain 81 for turning the eccentric rollers of this set in unison. The uppermost shaft 85 projects inwardly through the front wall of the frame 5 and is equipped at its inner end with a sprocket 88 driven by a sprocket chain 89 from a sprocket 88 on shaft 43. The shaft 43 alsocarries a sprock- -et 9| driving a sprocket chain 92 running over a sprocket 93 on the inner end of the uppermost shaft 85 of the other set which similarly projects inwardly through the frame 5. Each of the shafts of this set is provided with a sprocket 84 over which runs a sprocket chain 95 whereby these shafts maybe turned in unison. Hence upon turning the shaft 43 the tension rollers 88, 8|, 82, 83 and 84 will beturned simultaneously 'sprocket |86 on shaft 41.

s2, as and s4, the eccentrlcity of each tension roll being equal to that of its corresponding adjusting roll and due to the oppositely arranged disposition thereof an vamount of slack will be provided suflicient to permit the desired narrowing of the spacing of the operative runs.

Two sets of lower tension rolls 96, 91, 88, 88 and |88 are mounted on shafts 8| carried by brackets |8|a. One set of lower tension rolls is mounted on shafts |8| carried by brackets |8|a fastened to frame. 5 and equipped with sprockets |82 connected by a sprocket chain |83. The inner end of the lowermost shaft carries a sprocket |84 driven by a sprocket chain |85 from a The latter also carries a sprocket |81 driving a sprocket chain |88 running over a sprocket |89 on the inner end of the lowermost shaft |8| of the other setof lower tension rolls. Each of these shafts |8| carries a sprocket ||8 over which runs a. sprocket chain Thus both sets of lower tension rolls will be turned upon turning the shaft 43. Since the ec-` centricity of the lower tension rolls equals that of their corresponding adjusting rolls, it will be seen that the opposite arrangement of the lower tension and adjusting rolls wil1 provide suilicient slack to permit the adjustment of the lower portions of the band runs to establish a uniform spacing between the sections thereof extending from the upper to the lower adjusting rolls.

The upper pulleys of-each set of band saws (Figs. 6 and 1) may be refrigerated and adjustably mounted as shown in' Fig. 6 to tension the bands. For this purpose the upper shafts 8, 9 may be mounted in bearing blocks 6| which are supported by screws 68 threaded into 'the top of the frame 5. Thus the bearings 6| may be raised and lowered in the slots 62 and the upper pulleys may be thus adjusted from the screws 68 to impart the proper tension to the band saws at the various spacings thereof for different slice thicknesses. To prevent drying and accumulation of adhering bread particles on the band saws, their pulleys may be refrigerated or cooled to main.

are integrally formed and the rings 25 are revolubly mounted. On the hub of flange 68, which is fastened on shaft 68, is formed an integral pulley 61 whereby the shell 2 may be driven in a direction opposite to the lower pulley to drive the bands on its integral steps in a direction opposite to the adjacent bands on the rings 25. The shaft 68 has a counterbore 69 into which the tubing 18 extends and is fastened therein by a bushing 1|. The tubing conducts brine or other cooling medium to the inlet ports 12 at the inner end of the counterbore beyond the bushing and communieating with the interior'` 'of the pulley. 'I'he brine is thus circulated through the pulley and returned through the outlet ports 13 and conducted away in the counterbore outside of the tubing. Leakage of the brine from the pulley is prevented by packings 14 retained upon either end of the shaft 68 by nuts 15 threaded on the hubs of the flanges 65 and 66.

In the construction shown in Figs. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the innermost and the outermost operative runs and the alternate intermediwith the corresponding adjusting rollers 38, 3|, 75 |2 and drawn taut upwardly due to the counterclockwise rotation of this pulley. The

remaining bands are driven in the opposite direction and have their operative runs drawn taut downwardly due to the clockwise rotation of the integral steps of pulley I0. In the case of the bands on the pulleys Il and I3, the innermost vand outermost operative runs and alternate intermediate runs are driven by the integral steps Iof pulley I I and are drawn taut. downwardly due to the rotation of this pulley in a counterclockwise direction. The remaining bands are driven in the opposite direction and are pulled taut upwardly by the integral steps of pulley I3 which is driven in a clockwise direction. u

It may be noted-that since only the taut runs -are used for slicing, less tension is needed to sustain the bands m 'slicing position. As the 'ineffective or loose runs ofthe band saws can be looser, there is more lrange or leeway for adjustment. Moreover the band saws do not heat up as much as when the slack runs are usedv for uniform slice thicknesses.`

What is claimed is:

1. In a ybread slicing machine, the combination with members for advancing bread loaves sidewise, of sets of upper and lower step pulleys disposed out of the path'of the loaves advanced by said members, and band saws mounted on the steps of said sets of upper and lower pulleys with one run of each band disposed in the path of the advancing loaves with its width extending parallel to said path and its cutting edge facing the oncoming loaves to slice the same, and the other run of each band disposed outside of said the path of the advancing bread loaves with vthe width of each of said runs extending parallel to said path and the cutting edge thereof facing the `loavesto slice the same, the other runs of said band saws being disposed at either side of and out of the path of the advancing loaves, and means for driving said pulleysfin directions which will pull taut the band saw runs disposed in the path of the loaves, and means for simultaneously adjusting the two sets of runs intersecting the path of'the loaves toward and away from each other to establish various equal spacings thereof corresponding to various thicknesses of slices desired.'

3. In a bread slicing machine, the combination with members for advancing bread loaves sidewise, of upper and lower step pulleys dise posed out of the path of loaves advanced by said members. and band saws mounted on the steps of said sets of upper and lower pulleys with one run of each band extending through the path of the advancing loaves with its width `extend; ing parallel to said path and its cutting edge facing the loaves to slice the same, and the other run of each band being disposed outside the path of said loaves, members eng-aging the runs dis- L -posed `outside of said path for tensioning said path, loose sleeves mounted on the lower pulley of each of said sets and forming alternate steps thereof, loose sleeves mounted on the upper pulley of each of said sets and forming the alternate steps thereof corresponding to the steps bands, a series of eccentrically mounted rollers each having a stationary axis engaging the bandruns passing through said path, and mechanism for simultaneously turning said rollers to establish various equal spacings of said band runs 'for various slice thicknesses.

4. In a slicing'machina'the combination with pairs of upper and lower pulleysA disposed out of the path of oncoming articles, of band saws mounted on each pair of pulleys with their widths disposed in parallelism to said path and their cutting edges facing the oncoming articles to slice them, and-means for varyingthe spacing between adjacent runs' of said band saws'to divida the articles into slices of various equal. thicknesses, said means including eccentrically mounted rollersl each having a stationary axis and engaging the adjacent runs of said band saws, and devices for simultaneously turning said rollers for varying the spacing of said runs.

5. The combination with a 'pair of step pulleys,

of band saws mounted on the steps of said pulleys with one run disposed in position to slice oncoming articles and the other run' disposed outside of the path of said.articles, loose sleeves mounted on one pulley and forming alternate 2. In a bread slicing machine, the combination wise. of two sets of upper and lower step pulsteps thereof, loose sleeves mounted on the other l pulley and forming the alternate steps thereof corresponding to the steps intermediate the loose sleeves on the mst-mentioned pulley, band saws mounted on the corresponding steps of said pulleys, and means for driving said pulleys in leys disposed above and below the path ofthe loaves respectively, endless bandisaws mounted on the 'steps of `each set of upper and lower pulleys with one run thereof extending through f path of the sleeves are opposite directions whereby alternate bandsare driven in opposite directions, said pulleys being driven in such directions that all the runs in the pulled taut. THORMOD JENSEN. 

